Editorial Board

Mr. Murphy

Wade Murphy

Executive Chef, The Lodge at Doonbeg

Wade Murphy is Executive Chef at The Lodge at Doonbeg in County Clare, Ireland. A self-proclaimed “modern Irish chef” who dazzles with creative twists on the traditional cuisine of his homeland, Murphy brings native sensibility and two decades of regional and international experience to County Clare. He is responsible for all culinary operations at the 5-star hotel and golf resort, including menu creation at The Long Room, Darby’s Bar, the Tea Room and the Member’s Bar, as well for in-suite dining and catering.
With Chef Murphy’s fresh, native influence on the menu, guests of The Lodge at Doonbeg savor a true taste of Ireland with distinctively personal and contemporary twists. A native of coastal Wexford who has traveled and worked professionally all over the world, Chef Murphy was drawn into the culinary field by his grandmother, a prominent local cook who served as a mentor throughout his youth.
Utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Murphy takes the traditional elements of the Irish diet over the top. “I put a lot of gra into my food, ” he says, which is Gaelic for “love” to express the passion with which he approaches his dishes. Salmon and cod from County Clare; Burren beef and lamb from nearby Montgomery Farms; local Irish cheeses; and seasonal herbs, heirloom tomatoes and organic lettuce grown in greenhouses at The Lodge at Doonbeg crowd Murphy’s kitchen, suffusing menus with an authenticity that appeals to refined gourmets and adventurous foodies. Guests can also expect superb fish-and-chips—everybody’s favorite, and Chef Murphy’s, too—throughout the week.
With a flair for food preparation and attentive service, Chef Murphy’s history at award-winning restaurants primed him for working with Consulting Chef Tom Colicchio at The Lodge at Doonbeg. Chef Murphy’s talents have not gone unnoticed: He was named “Best Chef in Connaught” in the 2009 Food & Wine Magazine Irish Restaurant Awards and among the Top 20 Irish Chefs rated by Food & Wine Magazine in 2010.
Chef Murphy joined The Lodge at Doonbeg following a noteworthy run at the critically acclaimed Salt Restaurant at Lisloughrey Lodge in Cong, Ireland. From 2005-2007, he was Restaurant Chef and Banqueting Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and, before that, Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Dublin. He also oversaw the openings of Four Seasons hotels in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt and London.
Chef Murphy trained at D.I.T Cathal Brugha Street while apprenticing in Gorey and Dublin, and later relocated to London where he worked in hotels and restaurants. An avid golfer who feels fortunate to be stationed near the Greg Norman-designed championship links that anchor The Lodge at Doonbeg, he resides in County Clare.

Wade Murphy's articles

Mobile Technology: Relentless Innovation

Technology has become a crucial component in attracting and retaining hotel guests, and the need to enhance a guest’s technology experience is driving a relentless pace of innovation. To meet and exceed guest expectations, 54% of hotels will spend more on technology in 2018, and mobile solutions in particular will top the list of capital investments. Many hotels are integrating mobile booking, mobile keys, mobile payments and mobile check-in into their operations. Other hotels are emphasizing the in-room experience, boosting bandwidth and upgrading flat screen TVs to more easily interface with guest mobile devices. And though not yet mainstream, there are many exciting technology developments on the near horizon. The Internet of Things (loT) is taking form in some places, and can be found in guest room control systems, voice activation systems, and in wearable sensors that can be used for access and payment options. Virtual reality headsets are available at some hotels so guests can enjoy virtual trips to exotic locations or if off-property, preview conference facilities and guest rooms. How long will it be before a hotel employs a fleet of robots for room service, or utilizes a hologram as a concierge, or installs gesture-controlled walls that feature interactive digital displays? Some hotels are already using augmented reality for translation services, or interactive wall maps, or even virtual décor. This pace of innovation is challenging property owners and brands to stay on top of the latest technology trends while still addressing current projects. The January Hotel Business Review will explore what some hotels are doing to maximize their opportunities in the mobile technology space.